• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.343-353
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• 2014

Objectives: To discuss the application of the acupuncture therapy for the HIV-associated distal sensory neuropathy. Methods: We searched papers using KTKP, Oasis, CNKI, PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL, J-STAGE, and CiNii with the keywords "HIV", "Peripheral neuropathy" and "acupuncture". The search range included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and clinical case series. Reviews and animal experiments were not included. Not matched with inclusion criteria were excluded. Results: A total 675 studies were found. 670 were excluded by scanning titles and abstracts and finally 5 articles were selected. One of the five articles noted that acupuncture was not effective in HIV-SN, but two articles reanalyzing the former, pointed out the statistical errors and noted acupuncture significantly reduced pain, attrition and mortality. Other RCT and the other case series concluded acupuncture had a beneficial effect in HIV-SN. Conclusions: Acupuncture seems to be effective to improve HIV-SN symptoms, however further large-scale RCTs are warranted.